Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Top Pickups for Week 9

Our fantasy baseball waiver wire column takes a look at players available in many leagues that could have an immediate impact on your fantasy roster, or simply just players to keep on your radar. Let’s take a look some of the top waiver wire pickups heading into Week 9 of the MLB season. If you have any questions on who to pick up or who to drop, feel free to post them in our Fantasy Baseball Forum.

Add in all leagues

Sean Doolittle OAK | RP

Doolittle has been amazing so far in May and there is a good chance he could be the A’s closer for the rest of the season. He is averaging about 1.5 strikeouts per inning and his sub 1 WHIP is something that should grab your attention. I am sure he will have some rough outings, but he has a big upside and should be owned in more leagues. (about 50% owned)

Asdrubal Cabrera CLE | SS

I have always been a fan of Cabrera and I feel like fantasy owners gave up on him too early this year. He got off to a terrible start, but he has really got things going as of late. I think there is a good chance he ends the year as a top ten shortstop, so if you need help at that position then you should snag him if he is available. (about 70% owned)

Hector Rondon CHC | RP

The hard throwing right hander for the Cubs seems to make the most sense as their closer. He has been getting the chances as of late and if he continues to pitch well then he should be their closer for the rest of the year. (about 50% owned)

Add in deeper leagues

Junior Lake CHC | OF

I was shocked to see that Lake was available is so many leagues. So far this year the young outfielder has shown that he can bat for power, steal bags, and bat for a decent average as well. It’s time to think of Lake as a true breakout candidate and consider picking him up. (about 10% owned)

Gregory Polanco PIT | OF

Polanco is one of the most interesting young players in all of baseball and it’s going to be exciting to see what he does when he gets called up. He has been going nuts in the minors and there is a good chance he carries his success into the big leagues. He should get called up sometime in June, so if you want him on your team you might want to grab him now. (about 35% owned)

Grant Green LAA | 2B/OF

Since getting called up Green has played great and he is taking full advantage of his time in the bigs. Once Calhoun and Hamilton come back he might not have an everyday job, but until that happens he is a guy that’s worth paying attention to. His minor league stats were solid and I think he has a big overall upside. (about 5% owned)

Dallas Keuchel HOU | SP

Keuchel has been amazing over his last few starts and he certainly has the attention of the fantasy world. I do think he is worth adding in some leagues, but I am not totally buying his recent success. He will more than likely come crashing back down to earth, so if you do want to take a gamble on him then make sure you aren’t dropping anyone too good to do it. (about 60% owned)

Seth Smith SD | OF

Smith has had some solid stretches throughout his career, but it seems that he never gets enough at bats to truly be fantasy relevant. That might change this year as it seems that the Padres want to make him an everyday player. He already has 20 extra base hits on the young season and he is on pace for a career year. (about 35% owned)

Matt Dominguez HOU | 3B

I was surprised to see how many leagues the Astros young third baseman was still available in. He isn’t off to the best start this year, but he still has a huge upside and 7 home runs already on the season. At only 24 years old I think he will only get better and I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends the year as a top ten third baseman. (about 15% owned)

Phil Hughes MIN | SP

It’s been a long time since Hughes has been fantasy relevant, but he has pitched great so far for the Twins. He has a sub 4 ERA for the first time since 2009 and he is on pace for a career year. It seems the fantasy world has written off his hot start as a fluke since he is owned in less than half of all leagues. At only 27 years old though, I am saying not so fast and I think he could keep up these numbers. (about 35% owned)

Keep an eye on

Ronald Belisario CWS | RP

The White Sox closer situation has been a bit of a mess this year and as of now it looks like Belisario is the guy to own. Overall I don’t love his upside, but he could be a source of cheap saves if you need help in that category. (about 20% owned)

Jake Odorizzi TB | SP

When you look at the stats for Odorizzi you might wonder why he is on this list, but the only number you need to look at is his strikeouts. He has 52 Ks in only 43 innings and if he can figure out how to get his walks down he could be a great fantasy pitcher. He is certainly a young pitcher that I think the fantasy world needs to keep a close eye on. (about 10% owned)